Top 10: Mileage Tips From Hypermilers

Number 5

Use cruise control

You know how frustrating it is to pass and be passed by a driver who can’t commit to one speed? It also drains your tank a lot faster. On reasonably mild terrain (steep hills are an exception) and when traffic conditions allow, you could realize substantial gains in mileage. One recent independent test noted an improvement of almost 14%. And that doesn’t require any radical adjustment to your driving style.

Number 4

Don’t let your engine idle

Simple math here: Standing still with an idling engine yields 0 mpg. That’s not to say you ought to kill your motor at every red light or in stop-and-go traffic, but whenever you anticipate you’ll be sitting for 30 seconds or more, it’ll save you big. A couple of great examples are sitting in line at the bank drive-through or waiting at a train crossing. Why 30 seconds? That’s long been the rule of thumb for the equivalent fuel used in an engine’s startup. And while engines are more efficient than ever, that’s an easy number to remember and a great mileage tip from hypermilers to help you save a little gas.

Number 3

Shift when revs are low

If you have a manual gearbox, you’ll want to reconsider your upshift points. When it comes to managing better gas mileage, keep the RPMs as low as you can without lugging the engine. This isn't because we love controlling the revs, but because we save on gas when we can control the engine with a manual transmission. Again, try to think peak mileage and not powerband.

Number 2

Watch your mileage in real time

If your car has the function, pay attention to the current mpg monitor (or pick up one and install it). Either way, you’ll be surprised how your driving style impacts your numbers. Allow your eyes to fall on it as often as you would check your speed, mirrors, etc. You might find it an interesting challenge to achieve your best possible mileage and become a more conscientious driver in the process.

Number 1

Don’t accelerate hard

You don’t even have to be a car guy to love acceleration. It’s just one of those things hardwired into our driving behavior, whether you’re piloting a Kia or a Koenigsegg. As tempting as it is to mash the gas as soon as the light goes green, hard acceleration tests have shown mileage to drop by over 35%. Go easy whenever conditions dictate and allow so you can still save while keeping the feral soccer mom from ramming you with her Tahoe and pushing you out of her way.

mpg missions

So even if you aren’t prepared to turn your car into a traveling freak show in the name of miles per gallon, you can easily get better mileage by following these tips from hypermilers. In the end, the most pronounced increases all have a common link: They require your willingness and patience to make them work.